Dre Greenlaw Expected to Play Against Broncos Despite Quad Injury

The San Francisco 49ers are getting a massive boost to the middle of their defense today. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who spent the week nursing a quad injury and carrying a questionable tag, is expected to suit up against the Denver Broncos, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

A questionable tag in the modern NFL usually means a guy is either missing a limb or just taking a veteran rest day. For Greenlaw, it looks like the quad issue was not enough to keep him off the field for a late-afternoon clash.

"Jeremy Fowler reported Greenlaw is expected to play per source."

This is terrible news for whoever is running the ball for Denver. Greenlaw is the kind of sideline-to-sideline menace that turns a promising two-yard gain into a violent collision that makes you reconsider your career choices.

Both teams are coming off tight wins last week that required some heavy lifting. The 49ers outlasted the Arizona Cardinals in a 36-30 shootout, while the Broncos managed to hold off the Los Angeles Rams 30-26. San Francisco's defense gave up a lot of points to Arizona, so getting a healthy Greenlaw back in the mix is exactly what they need to tighten things up.

If you are looking at the total or any Denver rushing props today, Greenlaw's active status is the kind of variable that ruins a perfectly good slip. He closes gaps faster than a closing elevator door.

We will see if the 49ers put him on a pitch count or just let him loose. Either way, Denver's offense just got a much tougher assignment for today's matchup.